Idlewild again - Hope Is Important singles

So you'd be justified in suggesting that a second showing for Idlewild is due to a lack of bands beginning with I, but this doesn't diminish the wonder of this band (well, up to 2003 in any case). "Hope Is Important" was such a great album and the singles really defined Idlewild for who they are. Slightly poppier than their early releases whilst maintaining a pure punk edge.

"A Film For The Future" carried on where "Captain" left off. But by now, Idlewild had enough of a following to bother the singles charts. Indeed, the first three singles skirted off the edge of the top 40. This single started a trilogy of songs called "Mince Showercap" that would appear on each of these three singles. Part 1 is an aggressive song with added recipe tips.

"Everyone Says You're So Fragile" is a better song. Still fast and punky but with real pop sensibilities. "Mince Showercap (Part 2)" is another weird track, but "Theory Of Achievement" is an excellent b-side that wouldn't be out of place on the album.

"I'm A Message" was up next, now with more formats to really go at a chart place. As a result - more precious b-sides! "Mince Showercap (Part 3)" isn't really worth the plastic and metal it's encoded on. But "This Is Worse" is probably my favourite Idlewild b-side of all. It sounds a little R.E.M.-y. Also two session tracks.

Finally is "When I Argue I See Shapes" - arguably the best Idlewild song of all and one of my favourite songs 'period', as our American counterparts would put it. Not only breaking the top 40 at last, but the top 20. The video accompanying the single featured a jumping salamander every time the backing vocals shout "Shapes!". It makes me jump in the air every time it happens.